Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

If you love chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a decadent treat with this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. Rich, gooey, and unbelievably easy to make, it layers chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, and chopped peanut butter cups for a dessert that tastes like a slice of chocolate-peanut heaven. Perfect for family gatherings, last-minute dessert cravings, or a weekend indulgence, this dump cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top chocolate-peanut butter experience that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-fuss dessert — easy “dump and bake” preparation.
• Decadent flavors — chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.
• Quick and family-friendly — ready in under an hour.
• Perfect for gatherings — easy to make in a large baking dish.
• Customizable — add nuts, chocolate chips, or drizzle with more peanut butter.

Ingredients

• Chocolate cake mix (1 box) — the base of this rich, chocolatey dessert.
• Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.4 oz) — adds creamy texture and chocolate depth.
• Milk (2 cups) — to thicken the pudding.
• Peanut butter (1 cup) — creamy flavor layered throughout the cake.
• Chopped peanut butter cups (1 ½ cups) — adds candy-like bites and crunch.
• Mini chocolate chips (1 cup) — extra chocolate indulgence.
• Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup / 1 stick) — helps bind and create a gooey top.
• Creamy peanut butter (½ cup, optional) — for drizzling to enhance peanut butter flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

1. Prep the Base

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Layer the Ingredients

• Pour the chocolate cake mix evenly into the prepared pan—no need to mix.
• In a bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until thickened. Pour over the cake mix.
• Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter evenly across the pudding layer.

3. Add the Toppings

• Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups and mini chocolate chips over the top.
• Drizzle melted butter evenly across the entire surface.

4. Bake

• Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are bubbly and the center is mostly set.

5. Serve

• Let cool for 10 minutes.
• Drizzle extra warmed peanut butter over the top if desired.
• Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultimate indulgence.

Tips for Success

• Use creamy peanut butter for smooth drizzling and better layering.
• Don’t overbake — the center should remain gooey for the best texture.
• Optional toppings: sprinkle chopped nuts, drizzle chocolate, or add caramel sauce for extra decadence.
• Serve immediately for warm, gooey results or let it cool slightly for a firmer slice.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for melting butter and optional peanut butter

Recipe Variations

• Double Peanut Butter — fold extra peanut butter into the cake mix before layering.
• Nutty Chocolate Dump Cake — add chopped peanuts or walnuts for texture.
• Caramel Peanut Butter Dump Cake — drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
• Mini Dump Cakes — bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips or crushed peanut butter cups for garnish.
• Great for potlucks, birthdays, or casual family desserts.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the layers and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for warm, gooey results.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but creamy peanut butter will create smoother layers and drizzles.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
Warm from the oven with ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Can I use sugar-free or low-fat pudding?
Yes, but texture may be slightly different; for best results, use regular pudding mix.

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Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. Gooey, rich, and unbelievably indulgent, it’s perfect for family nights, celebrations, or a spontaneous sweet craving. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s guaranteed to become a household favorite—every bite is pure peanut butter and chocolate bliss.